In Florida, you can now say “gay” in schools in limited circumstances.
Discussions are permissible as long as they are not part of formal educational instruction.
A settlement was reached concerning the "Don't Say Gay" law, which bans teaching about sexual orientation and gender identity from kindergarten through eighth grade.
The agreement clarifies the law, passed in 2022. It now says that while formal classroom instruction on these topics is still prohibited, casual conversations and references to LGBTQ+ topics by students and teachers are allowed.
A group of students, parents, and LGBTQ+ organizations that brought the suit against Florida challenging say this clarity will reduce fear and discrimination caused by the law's ambiguity.
Governor Ron DeSantis's administration sees it as an affirmation that the law has been misinterpreted as overly restrictive that it actually was. The law, along with a several ones signed by DeSantis in recent years, led rights organizations to issue travel advisories last year, citing concern about diminishing rights and freedoms in the state.
The settlement, now shared with Florida's public school districts, outlines that LGBTQ+ references in literature, discussions, and other non-instructional contexts are not banned. It ensures teachings about sexual orientation or gender identity must be neutral and affirms that anti-bullying lessons, "safe spaces," student organizations like gay-straight alliances, and LGBTQ+ references in school events are still permitted.
This settlement aims to protect students from discrimination while keeping the law in effect.
The law doesn't affect school library books unless used for instruction. It also permits student-run organizations and extra-curricular activities, such as plays and musicals with L.G.B.T.Q. references or characters, and expressions and clothing that do not conform with a person’s perceived gender identity.